Skin Cancer Special: Stay Safe in the Sun

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Squamous Cell Carcinoma:
Occurs in the top layer of the epidermis. Like basal cell cancers, these tend to show up on sun-exposed areas and can look like crusty reddish patches. It's more aggressive than basal cell and can spread to other areas of the body, including the lymph nodes.

Melanoma Cancer:
Begins in melanocyte cells (which create color pigment for skin and hair) in the top layer of the epidermis. Uneven, irregular moles could be a sign. They are usually brown, black, bluish but some are flesh-toned or pinkish, or simply look like cuts that don't heal. Only about four percent of skin cancers are melanoma but it's the most deadly of the three because it spreads quickly.

For more information: Visit the Skin Cancer Foundation (skincancerfoundation.org); the American Academy of Dermatology (aad.org) or the American Cancer Society (cancer.org); all offer comprehensive information about skin cancer, including what to expect from a biopsy, and treatment options. - Maureen Connoly